Join the fun near Santee. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Santee, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$35 - $140 / night
"This location is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the city."
"We had scoped this out as a wintering location for my snowbird dad, and I always remembered how powerfully silence of that hillside had impacted me... finally camped there- it was lovely!"
$24 - $100 / night
"The creek eventually flows into a pond located on the other end of the campground. The pond is actually pretty large! Lots of space to walk around and explore."
"The missus and I decided to do a midweek overnight escape and chose Dos Picos Park due to its close proximity.
Great little campground with partial (electricity & water) hookups."
$34 - $38 / night
"Close to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful.
Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California."
"I’m not sure you’ll find a campground like this anywhere else in California for $29/night with partial hookups. It was quiet and peaceful. Bathrooms could have used some attention."
$24 - $25 / night
"Nice trails nearby and within the campground. The city of Santee was only 10 minutes away with plenty of stores and restaurants."
"Campground was close to freeway exit and nearby local neighborhoods. Despite that, it still felt quiet and comfortable. Sites were clean snd a good size. Bathrooms were nice and clean."
"Being a native San Diegan The east county location allows for easy access to San Diego sites from two freeways."
"The fishing lakes are and best indoor walking paths are a bonus."
".
+ The gate makes it feel more safe as it's right next to a path by a river, which seemed sketchy at times.
+ During the week it felt spacious.
+ We worked remotely from here and picked up a good"
"Walking distance to stores if something is needed."
$60 / night
"It sits next to the bay, which is calmer and the beach. I've seen people jet ski, sail, paddle boat, play beach volleyball, and swim, and there are even bonfire pits on the beach!"
"Right next to the beach, large campgrounds! Fire pits and dog friendly!"
$50 - $650 / night
"If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."
"One of best beach campgrounds in California. Beach is right there next to camping. Restroom and shower are clean even though too many people there"
$50 - $520 / night
"If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."
"It's classic California beach camping. Spots are fairly close together, and it's more like a parking lot than a campground. That said, the beach is great, and the river mouth is great for surfing."
"Short walking distance to numerous stores, fast food joints, and to make you feel safe, a Highway Patrol office is right across the street."
TravelerSeveral issues here. First the most obvious the connections are at the front of the space on the drivers side. If you back in you better have 100 feet of hose sewer and power cord. Reservations failed to tell me while on the phone that the power was out but they’re still charging full price. Most of the lots are dusty dirt lots well over half of the park is not in use and in disrepair. There is trash everywhere and the staff could care less if you’re enjoying yourself. Do yourself a favor and spend the 20 extra dollars to stay at Campland Overall a waste of money and beach front property
GuideClose to the city, camp is clean and staff is friendly and helpful.
Showers were clean, and partial hookups are only $35 a night. Cheapest I've found in California.
GuideLoved how much road there was to explore. We went about 2 hours deep into this area and there was still more to explore. The best part here was the stars, so stunning. Be careful in the summer as it is very hot during the day.
TravelerThis place is pretty. The staff is nice and not too strict. The place can definitely need a lil tlc but for the price per dayits nothing too complain too much. The pool is cool the showers and bathroom are all functional. Wich is a good thing. I was told to pick any spot i liked wich made my stay even better. No hookups at all i had my rv/camper but that was no problem i took my generator. Place is definitely recommended if you're a not too picky person.😉
ScoutDifficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do. The full hookup spots are located in the middle of the campground. Don’t feel like you missed anything if you can’t get beachfront. Bushes, fences block any views unless your in dry camping down toward south end of park. Camp store is permanently closed so that Convenience is no longer here. Bathrooms and showers are clean and somewhat nice.
GuideWe absolutely loved Fry Creek. It might be our favorite place to camp so far. Our site was removed from others so we weren’t bothered by neighbors. It was a nice large site next to the bathrooms (which were very clean and well maintained) and close to a water spigot and trash can. This campground is definitely a birder’s paradise. We were constantly surrounded and graced by the sounds of woodpeckers, pigeons, mountain quail, bluebirds, jays, and more. One important note though is this entire area is swarmed with flies. We brought nets to put around our faces and without these, I don’t think I would have survived. So definitely bring nets for your face, bug spray, and citronella. Despite this, it was a lovely place. Will be returning one day.
GuideThis campground is located in the Mission Trails Regional Park, and we absolutely loved it. There are clean bathrooms with flushable toilets and showers, and sinks to wash off things. The rangers even supplied Dr. Bronners Castile soap in each bathroom. We stayed in site number 17 and it was lovely. Each camp site has a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. Online says you can buy firewood but they no longer provide that service, so make sure you bring your own firewood! You can’t swim in the lake, but you can fish and it’s very pleasant to walk around and bird watch. There is so much to do in this urban park, you could spend many days here. P.S. the Mission Trails visitor center is spectacular.
ScoutFirst, the campsite has the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping. This is no doubt that for those folks who are needed for good built qaulity toiletery, this will be your location.
For the down sides;
1. The trains - There is a rail right behind the tent sites so if you are looking for the tent sites with quiet location: PLEASE STAY AWAY from here. the trains do not operate from around 10 pm, back on operating starting from 5 am.
2. for T1 tent site, BE AWARE that there is a dog park RIGHT next to the tent site: there will be a urine odor all over the place.
3. If you are planning on cooking, just be aware that there is no proper location to do a dish wash. You would need some sort of wipes to do.
ScoutSpot is nice enough. Neighbors' campfires are 10 ft away from your trailer and makes your camper smell like smoke the whole next day when they start a campfire. Trees drop sticky droppings all over your camper and awning... not to mention your truck and camp site.
Camping near Santee, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Santee, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any reviews of Santee Lakes campground worth reading before booking?
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve has mixed reviews that highlight important considerations. The location gets praise for its proximity to San Diego (about 20-25 minutes to downtown), convenient access to groceries, gas stations, and stores. The lakes provide pleasant walking opportunities. However, some recurring concerns include difficulty with reservations, especially for out-of-state visitors who report challenges booking weekend stays. If you're looking for alternatives in the region, Green Valley Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park offers a different experience with access to nearby waterfalls.
What amenities are available at Santee camping sites?
Camping sites in the Santee area offer various amenities depending on the location. At Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, you'll find lakes for fishing and walking paths. The preserve is conveniently located near shopping, gas stations, and restaurants. For a more luxurious option near Santee, Pechanga RV Resort features newer facilities, a swimming pool, proximity to a golf course, restaurants, and sports park facilities. Many campgrounds in the area provide clean restrooms with hot showers, potable water stations, and well-maintained sites. Some offer full hookups for RVs, while tent sites typically include picnic tables and fire rings.
What are the best Santee campgrounds for tent camping?
Kumeyaay Lake Campground is an excellent option for tent camping in Santee, open Friday through Sunday. Despite being popular, sites don't feel overcrowded. The campground offers clean bathrooms with hot showers and nice trails both within the grounds and nearby. Downtown Santee is just 10 minutes away for supplies and dining. For a different tent camping experience near Santee, Sweetwater Summit Regional Park offers hike-in and walk-in sites for those seeking a more secluded tent camping experience with essential amenities like water and toilets.
Keep Exploring
